UNH Today

James Ramsay, Ph.D., joined UNH in 2015 to spearhead the homeland security bachelor's degree program, which has grown significantly on both the Manchester and Durham campuses and is the foundation for UNH earning its designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency. As a professor of security studies, Ramsay focusdes on preparing students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in the rapidly-growing fields of law enforcement, intelligence analysis, emergency management, cybersecurity and more. 

With more than two decades of experience in occupational safety, public health, emergency management, environmental health and security studies, Ramsay is widely published on safety and health issues ranging from needlestick injuries to economic analysis, hazardous communications, education standards and accreditation. His research interests include climate security, law enforcement education and the relationship between environmental and human security and national security strategic planning. He has published several books and has served as a subject matter expert on local and national media on a wide range of health, safety, emergency management and environmental health issues. Ramsay’s work has earned him multiple accolades from the American Society of Safety Professionals, including being elected as an ASSP Fellow in 2019 and earning the 2016 Culbertson Award for Excellence in Service, the 2011 President’s Award and the 2008 William Tarrants Award Outstanding Safety Educator Award.

What do you like best about your job?

Teaching security studies to students, engaging students in our democracy and my colleagues.

Tell us your favorite:

• Manchester restaurant: Shaskeen Irish Pub
• New Hampshire destination: The White Mountains
• Book: In a Sunburnt Country by Bill Bryson
• Movie: The Burbs
• Childhood book: Johnny Tremain
• Childhood TV show: Star Trek (of course, the classic series)

What are your hobbies?

Travel, cycling, movies, eating with family and friends.

Best vacation ever?

All of them... But teaching in Sydney, Australia, in 2005 was a highlight of my career.

We’d be surprised to know that…

I love professional cycling and soccer.

Which three famous people, living or dead, would you want at your fantasy dinner party?

George Washington, Captain Kirk and James Cook.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

A diver/conservationist for Jacques Cousteau on the Calypso.

Interested in emergency management, intelligence and national security?
Offered on the Durham and Manchester campuses, UNH's homeland security program prepares you to address challenges of national and international significance and pursue diverse and rewarding careers in the public and private sectors. LEARN MORE